The window needs to be bigger, the door needs to be in a different place, the car park needs to be smaller – you now want to build something different from that which has already been given planning permission. As long as the planning permission is still valid (i.e. the permission has not expired), then you may be able to apply to the local planning authority to make what is called a non-material amendment.
Don’t be tempted to say ‘the council will never notice’ or ‘I can’t wait for them to make up their mind’ – any changes to what you build as compared to what has been granted permission may ‘come back and bite you!’ Conveyancing searches often highlight these inconsistencies – which can sometimes delay or lose a sale.
As planners, we know and understand how to ‘regularise’ such situations with the local planning authority. Providing these are small scale and relatively minor these changes can be prepared, submitted and approved quickly.
Recently we’ve secured approval of ‘non-material amendments’ for a number of our clients including; the reduction in height of dwellings as part of a new housing development in Northumberland, revisions to the landscaping arrangements as part of a new housing development in Newcastle and the re-siting of the HQ for a ‘blue chip’ FTSE250 company in Cheshire.
There is no definition of what is ‘non-material’, it depends on the permission, the site, the neighbours etc. So what may be ‘non-material’ on one site may be ‘material’ on another.
And its also about professional judgement – as qualified and chartered planners that’s something that we can help you with, want to know more? Please contact us.